NH Route 16 Bearcamp River Bridges
Bearcamp River Bridge & Bearcamp River Relief Bridge
Eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Two companion bridges on NH Route 16 in Ossipee were built in 1955. One bridge spans the Bearcamp River, the other bridge spans the Bearcamp River flood plain providing flood relief. These bridges have very distinct engineering characteristics that have helped to qualify them as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Both bridges are now being replaced due to deterioration that has occurred over the past 64 years. This website celebrates the old and new bridges that will be constructed beginning in 2019.
Combined open-grid
shoulder and sidewalk
Why is this feature Important? This unique design feature called for the combined open-grid steel shoulder with a raised curb and an open-grid steel sidewalk assembly. Although common to mid-20th century steel deck bridge design, this open-grid system was in limited use in NH.
Combined simple and
continuous I-beam system
Why is this feature Important? This unique design feature allowed for the steel beams to function as both simple beams and as continuous beams under different weight scenarios.
Double batter pile design
Why is this feature important? This unique design feature called for the steel piles to be placed at an angle to provide additional stability. Combined with the concrete pile cap, this is known as "double batter pile design" which forms the "bent" of the bridge.
Click Circles A, B & C
Bearcamp River Bridge
Combined open-grid
shoulder and sidewalk
Why is this feature important? This unique design feature called for the combined open-grid steel shoulder with a raised curb and an open-grid steel sidewalk assembly. Although common to mid-20th century steel deck bridge design, this open-grid system was in limited use in NH.
Double batter pile design
Why is this feature important? This unique design feature called for the steel piles to be placed at an angle to provide additional stability. Combined with the concrete pile cap, this is known as "double batter pile design" which forms the "bent" of the bridge.
Combined simple and
continuous I-beam system
Why is this feature Important? This unique design feature allowed for the steel beams to function as both simple beams and as continuous beams under different weight scenarios.
Click Circles A, B & C
Click the
images below to learn more
Bearcamp River Relief Bridge
Please note that not all of the pages on this website are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you need assistance please contact the NHDOT at (603) 271-3734.